Archives: Market Intelligences

Boeing and Alaska Airlines Announce Largest Airplane Order in Airline’s History

USA – Boeing and Alaska Airlines have announced the largest aircraft order in Alaska Airlines’ history, a fleet expansion that will significantly shape the carrier’s pilot demand, training requirements, and long-term fleet transition strategy with deliveries scheduled through to 2035.

  • The order includes 105 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, with options for an additional 35, marking a major commitment to the largest variant of the 737 MAX family to support high-density routes and fleet renewal.

  • Alaska Airlines has also ordered five Boeing 787 Dreamliners, strengthening its long-haul capabilities as it expands international services to Europe and Asia.

  • The 737-10 fleet will modernise Alaska’s single-aisle operations, delivering lower cost per seat, increased capacity, and commonality with the airline’s existing 737 Next-Generation and 737 MAX fleets.

  • The airline currently operates 248 737 airplanes and now has 174 737 MAX jets on order.

  • With a current fleet of 413 aircraft, Alaska Air Group’s carriers will operate a fleet of more than 475 aircraft by 2030 and more than 550 aircraft by 2035.

Statements

  • “This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable and sustained growth, and is another building block in executing our Alaska Accelerate strategic plan,” said Ben Minicucci, CEO and President of Alaska Air Group.

  • “These planes will fuel our expansion to more destinations across the globe and ensure our guests travel aboard the newest, most fuel-efficient and state-of-the-art aircraft,” Minicucci added.

  • “This is a historic airplane order underwritten by Alaska Airlines’ record of strong performance and strategic expansion,” said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Source: Boeing

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Pan Am Flight Academy Expands Training Capabilities with Acquisition of Alliance Aviation

USA – Acorn Capital Management, a private equity firm investing exclusively in Aerospace, Defense, Intelligence, and Space, today announced that its portfolio company Pan Am Flight Academy, LLC (“Pan Am”) has acquired Alliance Aviation, Inc. (“Alliance”). Alliance is a leading Part 142 flight training organization serving a diverse global customer base, with particularly strong relationships across Latin America. The acquisition positions Pan Am to enhance its simulator-based training offerings and further strengthen its position in the independent flight training market.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alliance Aviation into the Pan Am family,” said Alex Pinho, President of Pan Am. “This acquisition enhances our training capabilities and brings with it a highly complementary customer base. By combining our expertise and resources, we can provide even higher-quality training and more seamless experiences for our students and airline partners.”

Alliance will operate as a division of Pan Am under the continued leadership of Federico Flores. Pan Am and Alliance have enjoyed a longstanding commercial partnership which will now flourish under common ownership and provide meaningful operational and financial benefits.

“Joining Pan Am allows us to scale our mission while preserving what has made Alliance successful,” said Federico Flores, Owner of Alliance Aviation. “This partnership gives our customers access to a broader training ecosystem while allowing us to further integrate programs, strengthen global relationships, and continue delivering an exceptional training experience while growing together as a unified team.”

Greg Agnew, Partner at Acorn Capital Management, added, “The acquisition of Alliance Aviation is a strategic milestone for Pan Am, reflecting our confidence in the combined organization’s ability to lead the independent flight training market. The partnership provides Pan Am with both strategic and operational resources needed to accelerate growth and pursue new training opportunities worldwide.”

Source: Acorn Capital Management

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Acron Aviation Announces A321neo Multi-Device Full Flight Simulator Contract with Jet2.com

United Kingdom – Acron Aviation today announced a major multi-device full flight simulator (FFS) agreement with leading leisure airline Jet2.com. The contract includes the delivery of three new Airbus A321neo full flight simulators, as well as significant upgrades to two existing Acron Aviation Full Flight Simulator devices, already in service with the airline.

The new training devices and upgrades ensure that Jet2.com has the training capacity required to support its long-term fleet and network expansion, following the recent launch of London Gatwick as the company’s 14th UK airport base from Summer 2026, as well as its firm order for 155 Airbus A321neo aircraft, positioning the airline to meet its future growth targets and meet demand well into the next decade.

Ben Swann, SVP &GM Acron Aviation said: “Jet2.com continues to set the standard for airline training excellence, and we are proud that they have once again selected Acron Aviation’s full flight simulation technology to support their next phase of growth.” Swann continued, “this contract reflects both the strength of our relationship and the confidence Jet2.com places in Acron Aviation to deliver advanced, reliable, and scalable training solutions. We look forward to supporting Jet2.com’s expanding operations for many years to come.”

The latest contract strengthens the existing relationship between the two companies. Jet2 currently operates four Acron Aviation FFS devices and its pilots train at Acron Aviation’s London Training Center and provides the foundation to a long-term training partnership.

The three new A321neo Full Flight Simulator devices will expand the training capability at Jet2.com’s Cheadle and Bradford training centers and will be rolled out as the company continues to grow.

Source: Acron Aviation

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US Aviation Academy Awarded $835 Million Contract by the United States Air Force for Initial Pilot Training

Texas, USA – At its 20-year anniversary, flight training group US Aviation Academy is proud to announce the award of a new, 10-year training contract with the United States Air Force to provide Initial Pilot Training (IPT) for Air Force flight officers. Under this agreement, US Aviation Academy will deliver Private Pilot, Multi-Engine, and Instrument Rating training at its campuses in Denton, Texas; San Marcos, Texas; New Braunfels, Texas; and Peachtree City, Georgia.

This partnership reinforces US Aviation Academy’s long-standing role as a trusted provider of professional flight training for both civilian and government aviation pipelines. Training will be conducted using US Aviation Academy’s FAA-approved curriculum, glass cockpit aircraft, and standardized instructional methodologies designed to meet the rigorous performance and safety standards required by the United States Air Force.

“We are honored to support the United States Air Force in preparing the next generation of United States Air Force Pilots,” said Mike Sykes, CEO of US Aviation Academy. “This contract reflects the confidence placed in our instructors, facilities, and underscores our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes across multiple campuses.”

Training for United States Air Force Flight Officers will take place at US Aviation Academy’s strategically located campuses:

  • Denton, Texas – Headquarters campus near the DFW metroplex with extensive flight operations and large technician training center.
  • San Marcos/New Braunfels, Texas – Central Texas location near Austin and San Antonio offering controlled and unconstrained airspace ideal for military-style training environments. The associated technician training center is in San Marcos.
  • Peachtree City, Georgia – Southeast hub near Atlanta with access to diverse airspace and weather conditions. Technician training center in nearby Forest Park.

In preparation for the contract, US Aviation Academy has made numerous aircraft and real-estate purchases in 2025 totaling over $30 Million, including:

  • 50+ glass cockpit Tecnam and Cessna aircraft
  • Launch customer for TRU Simulation Veris AR Level 7 FTDs for the Cessna 172
  • 22 Acres of land adjacent to the Denton Enterprise Airport, to be developed into a flagship training center
  • 14,000 square foot hangar in Peachtree City, GA, to be completed in Q2 2026
  • 20,000 square foot hangar/office in New Braunfels, Texas

Millions in further investment is expected throughout 2026 in these markets and others.

About US Aviation Academy
US Aviation Academy came under current ownership in January 2006. Over the last twenty years, it has become one of the largest professional pilot training platforms in the United States. Starting with just a couple of aircraft in a single building, US Aviation Academy now has 20 years of experience, 230 aircraft, 2,000 active students, and 260,000 square feet of buildings. The recent $835M Air Force contract award will continue to fuel growth into the next decade. US Aviation Academy expects to lead the world with innovative, effective aviation education that meets workforce demands.

Source: US Aviation Academy

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Turkish Flight Training Group AYJET Strengthens Digital Compliance with DGCA Training Resource Provider Certification

Türkiye – One of Turkey’s largest pilot training organisations AYJET Flight School, has announced it has received Training Resource Provider (EKS) authorization under the Digital Transformation in Civil Aviation Project implemented by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA), reinforcing its recognised role in aviation education and training quality assurance.

  • The DGCA’s Digital Transformation in Civil Aviation Project aims to deliver effective, fast, and sustainable solutions across the civil aviation sector by increasing digital capabilities and enabling work independent of time, place, and distance.

  • AYJET’s receipt of the EKS authorization marks a regulatory validation of its training resource standards, reflecting transparency, reliability, and technical competence in its flight training processes.

This follows in December AYJET Flight School, celebrating the graduation of its 130th training semester, with 18 new pilots completing their flight training and earning their wings during a ceremony held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Hezarfen Airport.

AYJET Flight School previously shared that it has been awarded Best Flight School 2024 by the Jury of the Bluesky Awards. More than 1,796 pilots have graduated since 2005 with over 1,687 of them were subsequently employed in airlines.

In June 2024 AYJET Flight School had shared its fleet expansion plan – growing its training infrastructure to 45 aircraft in 2024. The fleet consisting of 22 DA-20(SEP), 11 Sonaca S201(SEP), 5 DA-42(MEP), and 2 Zlin Z242L(SEP) Acrobatic aircraft with another 5 aircraft joining the fleet in 2025 including 4 DA-20 and 1 DA-42. In November 2023 AYJET Flight School also signed an order for one Diamond Aircraft DA42 FNPT II flight simulator.

Source: AYJET
Photo Credit: AYJET

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USA’s FAA Proposes Nationwide DPE Feedback Survey to Improve Check Ride Oversight

USA – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking pilot feedback on designated pilot examiners (DPEs) by proposing a voluntary post‑check ride survey, responding to growing concerns about examiner availability, consistency, cost, and certification system pressures—a development with significant implications for flight training stakeholders nationwide.

  • Published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2025, the FAA has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to implement a voluntary “post‑activity survey” for pilots who complete practical tests with DPEs, introducing standardized feedback at a national scale.

  • The proposed survey comprises about a dozen yes/no questions covering DPE professionalism, testing environment, exam content, and the duration of both flight and ground portions. Responses are intended to take approximately seven minutes each.

  • The FAA frames the initiative as a “data‑driven oversight tool” mandated under Section 833 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, marking the first routine mechanism for collecting structured examiner feedback directly from check ride applicants.

  • The FAA estimates that ~49,000 pilots may complete the survey annually if implemented, offering a large dataset on examiner performance. Public comments on the proposal are open through February 27, 2026.

  • The move comes amid mounting industry concern over long wait times for check rides, limited DPE availability, and rising examiner fees, especially in regions where pilots and flight schools report difficulty securing timely practical tests.

  • Pilots and instructors have noted variations in check ride structure, conduct, and duration—a mix of generally professional experiences and some that feel subjective or inconsistent. While not directly tied to complaints, the survey aims to enhance oversight beyond sporadic audits and complaint‑driven reviews.

  • Concurrently, the FAA is encouraging more Part 141 flight schools to obtain examining authority, allowing them to conduct practical tests internally and issue certificates—an option that can relieve pressure on the traditional DPE system but has seen limited adoption due to administrative challenges.

  • Together, the survey proposal and push for expanded examining authority suggest a broader FAA strategy to improve visibility, accountability, and flexibility in pilot certification, rather than solely increasing the number of external DPEs.

Source: FAA

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Cebu Pacific Launches Batch 5 of Cadet Pilot Program in Partnership with Airworks Aviation Company in January 2026

Philippines – Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest low-cost airline, in partnership with Airworks Aviation Company, has marked another milestone with the launch of Batch 5 of its Cadet Pilot Program in January 2026.

The latest batch comprises 20 cadets — four women and sixteen men — who will undergo an integrated pilot training program at Airworks Aviation’s training facilities in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

  • The Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program, operated in partnership with Airworks, provides selected cadets with end-to-end pilot training leading to a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings, aligned with the airline’s operational standards.

  • Captain Samuel Avila, Vice President for Flight Operations at Cebu Pacific, addressed the cadets during the official launch ceremony, commending their selection and emphasizing the program’s role in shaping the future of Philippine aviation.

In June 2024 Cebu Pacific (CEB), the fast growing Philippines based low-cost carrier operating over 80 aircraft, announced that it was partnering with Philippines based flight training organisation Airworks Aviation for its Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program. The program is currently the only airline in the country offering this program, giving aspiring pilots high-quality training experience, mentorship, and guaranteed employment path with the airline. Over a five-year period, CEB will deploy a total of 240–300 Cadet Pilots to Airworks.

The 96 week program will see aspiring pilots get their Commercial Pilot License with Instrument Rating as well as a type rating on either Airbus A320 or ATR72-600.

Statements

  • “To be entrusted with training the next generation of Cebu Pacific pilots is both an honor and a profound responsibility. It’s a partnership that goes beyond producing pilots — it’s about nurturing the future of the Philippine aviation industry, ensuring it continues to soar higher with skill, integrity, and passion,” said Vincent Charles Ong, President of Airworks Aviation Company.

Source: Cebu Pacific
Photo Credit: Cebu Pacific

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Flight Training Management Software Provider FlightLogger Highlights Global Reach and System Reliability in 2025 Review

Global – FlightLogger, a provider of digital management software for aviation training organizations, has published its 2025 year-in-review, reflecting on the operational scale, reliability, and global trust that marked a pivotal year for the platform.

  • FlightLogger surpassed 4.3 million total flights logged across its user base, signaling the platform’s deep integration into day-to-day aviation training and operational oversight.

  • The company reported 99.99% uptime in 2025, maintaining near-continuous service for its clients operating across multiple time zones and regulatory environments.

  • FlightLogger is now used by 215 aviation organizations globally, including both single-campus academies and multi-site training networks.

  • The platform has become increasingly critical in ensuring audit-readiness, supporting flight scheduling, student records, maintenance tracking, and regulatory compliance through centralized data.

  • Operational complexity in modern flight training — spanning mixed fleets, multiple campuses, and evolving regulatory frameworks — has driven adoption of digital systems that offer standardized, scalable solutions.

Source: FlightLogger
Photo Credit: FlightLogger

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FFS Training Center Operator Avenger Flight Group President Signals Pilot Training Demand Growth Outlook for 2026

USA – Full flight simulator training center operator Avenger Flight Group (AFG)’s President Andres Restrepo has shared an industry outlook for 2026, highlighting signs of recovery and growing momentum in pilot demand.

Statements

  • “Momentum is returning to aviation. After a difficult period for airlines and training providers alike, we are beginning to see healthier demand signals, clearer fleet strategies, and renewed investment in pilot pipelines. The rebound will not be perfectly linear, but it is real. At Avenger Flight Group, LLC, we spent the last few years doing the disciplined work behind the scenes: strengthening reliability, optimizing our footprint, and deepening partnerships. That focus now allows us to support growth quickly and responsibly, without compromising quality. As the industry accelerates, AFG is ready!! Ready to scale, ready to partner, and ready to help our customers train safely, efficiently, and with confidence.” said Andres Restrepo, President at AFG.

Source: Andres Restrepo (Avenger Flight Group)
Photo Credit: Avenger Flight Group

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